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651 Words
The following week, Sophie tried to convince herself that the evening with Max had been nothing more than a friendly outing — two professionals celebrating a successful project. But every time she closed her eyes, she could still see the way he’d looked at her under the soft glow of the gallery lights.
It was becoming a problem — not one she could admit to anyone, not even Rachel.
Sophie threw herself into work, hoping that staying busy would dull whatever was growing inside her. But fate had other plans.
⸻
A few days later, she received an unexpected email from Max.
Subject: Thompson–Sterling Review Meeting
Sophie,
We need to discuss the quarterly projections and client transition reports. Can you meet at the Sterling office by 3 p.m.?
– Max Sterling
Her stomach flipped. It was strictly business, she reminded herself — yet her heart raced as she read the message twice.
⸻
When she arrived at Sterling Finance that afternoon, Max was already waiting in the glass conference room, his suit immaculate, his expression unreadable.
“Right on time,” he said with a faint smile as she entered.
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Sophie replied, setting her folder down.
They got to work, reviewing numbers, strategies, and progress updates. The air between them was thick with unspoken energy. Every time their hands brushed over a shared document, Sophie felt her pulse quicken.
At one point, Max looked up from the report. “You’ve been doing impressive work,” he said sincerely. “Thompson is lucky to have you.”
Sophie smiled, caught off guard by the warmth in his tone. “Thank you. Coming from you, that means a lot.”
Their eyes met — and held — a second too long.
⸻
The meeting wrapped up just before sunset. As Sophie gathered her things, Max hesitated. “Sophie… are you free for a few minutes? There’s a café downstairs with the best espresso in the city. I owe you one after all the late nights you pulled on this project.”
Her instinct screamed to say no. To keep things simple.
But her heart — that reckless, curious part of her — whispered yes.
“Alright,” she said softly. “Just one coffee.”
⸻
The café was quiet, tucked in a corner of the building with floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out over the city. The warm scent of roasted beans filled the air as they sat opposite each other.
For a while, they talked about ordinary things — weekend plans, favorite restaurants, travel dreams. Sophie found herself laughing again, the sound light and unguarded.
Then, Max’s expression softened. “You know… I didn’t expect us to get along this well,” he admitted. “You challenge me. Most people don’t.”
Sophie smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “That’s because most people don’t argue with you over balance sheets.”
Max chuckled, his gaze lingering on her. “True. Maybe that’s what makes you different.”
The silence that followed wasn’t uncomfortable — it was charged, heavy with something neither of them dared to name.
⸻
When they finally stood to leave, Max walked her to the door. “Thank you for the company,” he said quietly. “It’s… nice having someone who doesn’t see me as just the CEO.”
Sophie looked up at him, heart pounding. “And it’s nice being seen,” she replied before she could stop herself.
Their eyes locked again, and for a moment, the world seemed to pause — until Sophie stepped back with a soft smile. “Goodnight, Max.”
“Goodnight, Sophie.”
As she walked away, Max watched her go, his mind a mess of thoughts he knew he shouldn’t entertain.
He’d built his life around control, order, and logic — but Sophie was slowly unraveling all of it.
- Writer
